Experience Europe’s best Christmas markets with Marriott Bonvoy

Opposite Place de la Bourse and a short walk from the Grand-Place, the central square of Brussels surrounded by opulent Baroque and Neo-Gothic architecture and home to the city’s Christmas market, the Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place blends traditional Belgian architecture with modern Belgian craftsmanship. Once a bustling cinema, the hotel celebrates its original architect, Victor Horta, while embracing modern, calming interiors with Magritte-style paintings. It also boasts the finest Belgian cuisine at Rotisse restaurant, a living tribute to Brussels’ legendary kiekefretter heritage. Inside, modern rotisseries take centre stage in the open kitchen while Art Deco and hand-drawn cameos add a vintage charm. A trendy café and bar Barcine with industrial-inspired décor is located on the main floor. When winter calls, the 200 snow-dusted market chalets, Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, curling and ice rink at nearby Grand-Place, not to mention the extravagant Christmas tree and sound and light show, will keep you joyously occupied.

Festive touches: Traditional favourites and seasonal delights combine at Rotisse this Christmas, where you and your loved ones can enjoy a buffet (including traditional meat and fish Christmas starters and mains), ceviche and gourmet burgers and sweets and pastries, while watching the chefs cook in front of you.

Located on Stauffenbergstraße street, JW Marriott Hotel Berlin is an inviting sanctuary with views of Potsdamer Platz and adjacent Tiergarten park – the largest urban garden in Germany. Come winter, the 520 acres are transformed into a festive light spectacle with illuminated treetops, shining stars and light shows. Inside the hotel, influences of the Tiergarten can be seen through handsome dark green and warm brown interiors, complemented by bright marble and nature artwork. Guests can relax in their JW garden and observe the hotel’s own herbs growing on the rooftop of the hotel. Of course, there’s no shortage of food options, either, with eight dining destinations including a bakery, steakhouse and two bars. After a day exploring Berlin, those looking for festive adventure will enjoy the 12m-high, 70m-long tobogganing winter slide and its ice-skating rink at nearby Potsdamer Platz. Return for a dip in the pool and to unwind in the spa’s sauna.

Festive touches: From 11 November to 26 December, dig into a traditional German holiday feast at JW Steakhouse and enjoy German classics such as beef consommé, roasted goose served with onions, plums, chestnuts, apples, red cabbage, bread dumplings, and Brussels sprouts in cream.

Located in St James Square, a mere stroll from Princes Street Gardens, where the Christmas market takes up home from 17 November to 5 January, W Edinburgh brings the wow factor. Comprising three distinct buildings, the Ribbon Building, James Craig Walk and the Quarter House, the 199 rooms and 45 suites (many with outdoor terraces) draw influence from the coastal city built on volcanic rock, with fire and water motifs juxtaposed throughout, including the dark ‘charred’ wood panelling and copper touches. The ultimate dazzler? The 1,600sqft Extreme Wow Suite, featuring a rock bar, a round super king-sized bed, free-standing bath, walk-in shower and vanity, private sauna, social living area, dining room and an expansive private terrace. If you can tear yourself away from your room, relax in the Away^® Spa and FIT^® fitness centre, before enjoying a tipple in João’s Place, a Brazilian-inspired speakeasy. The top floors and panoramic terraces with views of the city are home to the country’s first SUSHISAMBA restaurant, serving a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. 

Festive touches: Witness the festive, sparkling city skyline from the W Lounge, an all-hours dining destination with 360° uninterrupted views from Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle to the Pentlands and the Firth of Forth. Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve celebration with views of the world-renowned fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

Overlooking Vörösmarty square in iconic District V – home to Budapest’s historic Christmas market – the Dorothea Hotel is housed across three historic buildings blending Neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Modernist architecture and embodies Hungary’s golden age splendour. Check in under a shimmering long-drop chandelier against an intricate blue Zsolnay porcelain tile wall. For your room or suite, choose between two interiors: contemporary (think dark wood flooring and soft beige colours) or heritage, featuring vast windows and soft furnishings embroidered with flowers inspired by local folk motifs. Take in the hotel’s large inner courtyard next – a garden oasis home to Hungarian-cuisine Pavilon restaurant and bar – before heading to the 650sqm spa for full R&R. After soaking up nearby Buda Castle and St Stephen’s Basilica, catch an evening cruise through the Danube – the second longest river in Europe – and witness the city adorned with festive lights.

Festive touches: Book the Heritage Studio Suite for a prime view of the Christmas market. Outside, under the twinkling lights of Vörösmarty Square, tuck into traditional goulash served in bread bowls and lángos flatbread with a splatter of sour cream and finish off with a kürtőskalács ‘chimney cake’ dusted with cinnamon or cocoa.